How did Jesus resist Satan's temptations?
THE DISTURBING CHRIST
Lk 12:49–53
We often think of Jesus as the bringer of peace and unity. And rightly so—many troubled hearts have found peace in His presence. Many broken relationships have been healed by His grace. But today’s Gospel challenges that image.
Jesus said: “Do you suppose I have come to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division.” These are unsettling words. Yet they are true. The principles Jesus taught were disturbing then and remain disturbing now. They divided nations, friends, families—and ultimately led Him to the Cross.
Zacchaeus, for instance, was a comfortable tax collector—until he met Jesus. Then everything changed. He gave away half his wealth and repaid the rest with interest. Jesus disturbed his comfort.
Simon and Andrew were content with their fishing business—until Jesus called them. They left everything behind. Jesus interrupted their lives—and changed them forever.
He still does. Whenever Christianity becomes a soft and soothing comfort blanket, it has lost touch with Christ. For He is the most disturbing, demanding figure in all history. He will not let us rest in complacency.
Imagine Jesus walking among us today. To the brokenhearted, He would whisper peace. But to the comfortable, the self-satisfied, and the indifferent, He would say: “Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace. No, but division.”
Try standing up for Christian values in today’s culture. Argue that people matter more than profits, that healthcare and housing should matter more than weapons. See how far you get.
Even closer to home: ask a teenager to practise chastity, or an adult to reject greed. The result? Rejection. Isolation. Division.
The world has not changed. It still values wealth over people, power over justice, and comfort over truth. If we live the Gospel, we will face conflict. Jesus faced it. So will we.
Lord Jesus, You are our peace—but also our fire. Disturb our complacency. Stir our hearts. Give us courage to follow You, even through the fire.
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